Access to deer, moose tag hunting lottery now only available by phone, Internet and in-person

QUEEN’S PARK—On Monday, February 27, the Ontario government announced it would add an online option for hunters to enter the draw for big game hunting tags.

At the same time, the province is discontinuing the traditional post application method, meaning hunters who want to enter the lottery for a chance to secure hunting tags for moose, deer and elk need to apply online, at a Service Ontario centre or by phone.

There are currently three Service Ontario locations on Manitoulin Island, located in Gore Bay, Mindemoya and Manitowaning.

Hunters who want to purchase their moose and deer licences can also do so at the same time in a single transaction, the press release stated.

“Ontario’s vast landscape provides great opportunities to get out and enjoy the many activities we have to offer,” Michael Gravelle, the minister of Natural Resources, stated in the press release. “By adding an online option for entering draws, we’re making it easier for hunters to get out and enjoy Ontario’s outdoors.”

Applicants will also be able to phone in or go online to view draw results to find out if they have successfully secured hunting tags.

Every year, Ontario issues roughly 580,000 hunting licences, and the sale of hunting and fishing licences adds roughly $60 million to the economy.

The next antlerles deer draw opens on March 1.

To go online to register for the draw, buy your licence or find the nearest Service Ontario locations, visit www.ontario.ca/outdoorscard.